Irish goes for 75 in 2009

In 2008 I read 104 books...my 2009 doesn't have some of the same advantages (ie commuting on the train...vacations) so I've dropped down to 75. If I manage to read faster than anticipated then I will increase my goal. =)

Here is my ticker to help track my progress.




And as always suggestions are always welcome! I look forward to reading with all of you in 2009. =)

Welcome!

*waving hello!*

I decided to use this challenge thread for 2009 - looking forward to following your list!

I look forward to following yours as well Jill

Welcome to the group, Irish!

Oh, I see - abandoning us over in the 50 group... **sob**

I suppose since I reached 100 last year, I should switch, but I'm such a creature of habit that I'm staying over there. I promise to come visit you here tho!

Hey Irish. :) Great to have you in the group!

Big meanie abandoning us over in 50. Anyway found your thread and looks like I can post with out being a member wahoo.

Lots of the names in this group are very familiar. Haven't I seen you in a little pub just around the corner from this thread? :)

Irish, I'll enjoy following your books this year. Welcome!

Thanks for the welcomes. Lots of familiar faces here. I look forward to having my TBR list expanded as I follow your threads as well.

Casp - I have been in the 50 book group for 2 years...only one i used with 50 books as a goal. I thought that it was time to spread my wings a bit. You should come play here too. :)

LOL I probably will at the end of this year. I only joined last year and the 50 challenge was just a start. This year I will monitor myself properly and then make a call end of this year.

#1 Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: I first read this book back in the late 80s when I was a pre-teen and I loved it. I thought that it was filled with adventure and fun. Reading it again now so many years later I still enjoyed it but the book took on so many new dimensions. Reading this as an adult I was able to look beneath the surface and enjoy all the many detailed layers that Card has created.

More later....

Ender's Game is one of my favorite books! I agree with you about Card's detailed layers. I've read it several times and I discover something new each time.

I read Ender's Game for the first time last year and enjoyed it very much. Glad to see you liked it as well.

Ender's Game is part of my 9-9-9 Challenge this year. Good to know it comes so highly recommended from all of you. Now I'm anxious to read it!

Tapestry - you won't be disappointed in it. Its a great novel...this is one book that stands the test of time.

#2 Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: I love revisiting the books of my childhood. When I read them I can remember all those emotions that I felt on the first reading...as well as take new things from the novel that I may have missed. Anne Shirley continues to be a favorite character of mine. She is filled with spunk and imagination and I love watching her change once again from a child to a young women. As with my reread of Anne of Green Gables last year one of my main reasons for reading this is because its the 100th anniversary of its publication. Its so hard to believe that so much time has passed because for me this book remains fresh with each and every reading.

Isnt Enders Game a movie as well?

it will be...2011 is the current release date. so you should read the book before then. =)

LOL

>17 Irisheyz77:
Ohhhh...now I want to re-read all of the Avonlea books! I love them and have not read them in years.

Lorie - they are so much fun to revisit. Anne is as delightful as ever and I've enjoyed returning to Avonlea. You can find most of the books on Project Gutenberg.

>22 Irisheyz77:: Project Gutenberg—I need someone to invent a good eBook reader. I tried and didn't like the Kindle 1. Amazon is being coy with Kindle 2. The new one from Plastic Logic looks really interesting, but it won't do any DRM books (at least, the way I read their blurb), so I could only use it for Project Gutenberg. I have an Axim PDA, but the screen is too small.

>23 TadAD: I'm pretty sure the Baen Free Library is DRM free so if you like SF there's another source.

I've never heard of the reader from Plastic Logic, is it priced the same as the Kindle (ie expensive)?

>24 sgtbigg:: Pricing not set...it's being released some time in the next few months. What looks interesting to me is mainly the form factor: the same size as a magazine, both in page size and thickness. Plus, it supports PDF natively instead of the kludge for the Kindle.

You can read a bit about it here.

ETA: iRex also has a new one coming out (here). Heavier, but better grayscale.

You can bet they'll all be expensive.

Glad I've found your thread :) You know there are a mess of folks here who read over 75 books, including a bunch who surpassed 100 here, so you're in good company. Welcome.

I love the Baen free library and was introduced to some good series there.

>24 sgtbigg: & 26: I've gotten a couple of the free ones from Baen. The lack of a reader that I like hampers me from using them more.

I read the Avonlea books with my daughter when she was a child. I loved them all!

#3 Poets of World War II Edited By Harvey Shapiro

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Mini Review: To learn about history you read non-fiction books from different points of view. You then peice those together to form a whole picture. To experience history you read historical fiction. You can then "see and experience" events through the eyes of the character you inhabit. But to feel the emotion of history....for that you need to read the poems generated during that event. At times raw and at others haunting or sweet...this is a wonderful collection of poems that speaks volumes. The words though written over 60 years ago still hold so much meaning to events going on today.

More later...

Sounds like a good book. I may have to check it out someday.

#4 The Myth of Me and You by Leah Stewart

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: I fell in love with the prose of this novel. It was so beautifully told. I really enjoyed watching as the friendship between Cameron and Sonia unfolded in the form of flashbacks....waiting for that defining moment that split them apart. I did predict what happened...but this and that was a wonderful one. Very detailed and lyrical. The ending was a little to pat for me but other than that I really enjoyed and would recommend this one to others.

More on my blog later.

Is this an Orange book?

#31: Wow! Looks like a very good book. On to Continent TBR it goes!

Casp...no I don't think its an Orange book. Just a book on my shelf that I've been meaning to read for eons. I saw it on audio at my library and grabbed it...started it there then moved on the the printed form because I just couldn't wait to see how it ended.

Alcottacre - Continent TBR...lol

I fear that my MT TBR might spread out to become its own continent soon...trying not to buy any new books this year as a way to stave that off.

...trying not to buy any new books this year as a way to stave that off.

The operative word here being, of course, "trying".

If you succeed, I take my hat off to you... no, wait, I am in Canada. I take my toque off to you!!! Best of luck in this endeavor :)

>34 Irisheyz77: et al. What's an 'orange' book?

dk_phoenix...I must be realistic. I can't say won't because I know that I will stumble. so I go with try. try gives me that stumbling room. =)

suslyn...an Orange Book is a book that has been awarded (or nominated for) the Orange Prize for literature. Caspettee and I are currently participating in Orange January in which you dedicate all (or a portion) of the month to read books from the list. Its a bi-annual event with the next round coming up on July. To learn more visit the blog http://orangeprizeproject.blogspot.com/

#36 & 37 Sorry should have clarified that for everyone not participating in my original post.

#5 Backup by Jim Butcher

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: I really enjoyed this book from the Dresden-verse. This is a short story told from Thomas' point of view. I loved looking at the world of Harry through some new eyes. My one real complaint with this book was that it was too short. Everything was over before it began. Events were tied up so quickly. This story could have easily been expanded into a full length novel and I think that the story would have been better for it.

More on my blog later.

I read the first 4 of his Fury series of Christmas. Good stuff.

Suslyn...I love Butchers Alera series. Its different from the Dresden Books which are urban fantasy...but I am as addicted to Alera as I am Dresden. If you haven't met Harry Dresden yet I highly recommend him.

>41 Irisheyz77: Thx they do look intriguing

#6 The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: coming later on today

#7 Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: coming later on today

Curious to read your thoughts about Fingersmith - still on Mount TBR and not sure if I will get to it this month for Orange January.

So you liked the Graveyard Book. Will be interested to read your reviews for both. I have a Sarah Waters to read but its not fingersmith. My mother did not really like it.

So obviously I lied on the "coming today" remarks....I have reviewed The Graveyard Book on my blog and will get to Fingersmith soon (I hope!). I did start another Sarah Waters on audio called Tipping the Velvet. The thing was 17 discs long but I could only make it through 6 of them. I did not like the character of Nan at all. Loved the narrator but the character just bugged me royally. I might make a post of this on my blog soon as well. But not counting it towards any books read.

#8 Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Rating: 3 out 5 stars

Review: While I enjoyed this book I think that I expected more from it based on things that I've heard. It was a cute read. More on my blog later.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is a book on my list to read this year. I am glad to see that it is a cute read.

#9 As a Friend by Forrest Gander

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Review: coming soon

Were you expecting too much from Nick & Norah because of me and Mollie?

Not just you...heard many good things about it but it didn't live up to my expectations.

#10 Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Review: I really enjoyed the 1st 1/2 of this book. The second half though really dragged. The bearded nun story was a bit weird and dragged on far longer than it should have. I was curious by Sister Peace at first...but midway through her tale I was getting bored and just wanted it to be over so I could learn about some of the other characters in the Castle. With all the great potential stories seemed like such a waste to spend so much time on the one.

More on my blog...at some point.

My blog is now fully updated...its good to be caught up. Click the link to read full reviews of the following:

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (Review)
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn (Review)
As a Friend by Forrest Gander (Review)
Castle Waiting by Linda Medley (Review)

#11 Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Click here for my review

#12 Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Click here for my review

#13 The Sandman Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: coming soon

Halfway to the Grave sounds like something I would enjoy. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for the recommendation, Irish.

alcottacre - it was a really good book. so much so i rushed out this morning to pick up books 2 & 3...and I have already finished book 2. tomorrow i'll spend my day off devouring the 3rd book. I normally don't read a series back to back...i like time to digest each book on its own merits. But I just can't put these down and always want more at the end.

#14 One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: coming soon

#15 At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: coming soon....though judging that I read all 3 of the published books in this series in as many days should be a testament to how much I enjoyed it.

Unfortunately, my local library only has the first book in the series, so it looks like a while before I will get them all in!

OK, so I may have to be on the lookout for these the next time I'm at B&N.

alcottacre - At least you have the first book. =) Hopefully it won't take long for the others to arrive.

Tapestry - definitely be on the lookout. Loved this series. Cat and Bones are amazing characters...not to mention that Vlad Dracula himself even makes an appearance at one point.

See, I have a weakness for Dracula. I've read the book multiple times and hace multiple editions of the the book, and several books that feature him, so given that he makes an appearance makes me want to read them even more.

Vlad appears in the 3rd book...and this is one of those series which must be read in order. He is a delightfully arrogant character and I hope to see more of him in future books. (and by appear I mean he's one of the central plotline characters in book 3...and all around thorn in the side to the main character of Bones. the two have some great scenes. lol)

Added!

Oh yea so getting this book. Love supernatural, girls with attitude that kick butt books :)

For those interested I'm hosting a contest for the 3 books in the Night Huntress Series on my blog. Click here for details

#16 Untamed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Rating 4 out 5 stars

Review: coming soon



#17 Auschwitz by Pascal Croci

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Review: coming soon

#18 Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Review: loved this book, hated it to end. more later

#19 All This Hell by Evelyn M Monahan

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Review: soon

#20 The Sandman Volume 2 The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Review: soon

I've got Graceling in the pile. I'll have to bumb it up towards the top!

Lorie - you won't regret it. it was a great read. I look forward to the next book...even though its a prequel & not a continuation.

#21 The Shadow Within by Jenine Wilson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: soon

Oy...getting really behind on my reviews. Again. Will try and find time tomorrow to correct that.

#22 The Big Love by Sarah Dunn

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Review: audio book. Hated the main character & story, but loved the narrator. more later.

Holy cow! You are in a reading frenzy!!

I know! It won't last...but I'll enjoy it while it does. =)

*touches Irish with her finger...ouch hot* you are on a streak lately!

#23 What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: coming soon.

You are doing great. I am definitely going to check out Halfway to the Grave this weekend. Your review really caught my interest. My coupon at Borders will be well spent. Thanks for the wonderful reviews!!

crazy4reading - thanks so much for your kind words...I'm glad that you like my reviews! =)

#24 The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Review: soon

#25 Sandman Vol. 3 by Neil Gaimna

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Review: soon

#26 The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: soon, wicked good story, lots to think about and digest.

#27 The Season by Sarah MacLean

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: coming eventually

#28 The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: listened to this in the car. loved the story and the narrator. more later.

Oh I am glad you liked this one. I LOVED this book. I keep meaning to buy the series so I read the rest all in one go but the whole series will be my next big online book purchase.

My friends S & B keep telling me to read this. B has the whole series, so I should probably go grab on off his shelf.

Tapestry - I thought it was a great story. I love the idea that the Greek Gods are still alive and active. Percy is a very well written character and i just loved this story. I'm sure if I'd read it rather than listened to it I would have blitzed through it in no time. So definitely pilfer them from B's shelf. I think that you'll enjoy them lots. I'm eagerly awaiting Book 2 audio to show up at my library.

#90: Irish, I actually preferred book 2 to book 1. It will be interesting to see what you think of it.

Oh my - I could create an entirely new Mount TBR just from this thread.
I second all the raves for Ender's Game and most of his other books. He isn't as consistent as I would like, but I do enjoy reading his blog at www.hatrack.com

#29 French Milk by Lucy Knisley

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Review: good writing & lovely drawings and photographs. easy flowing story made this a quick read. More later.

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This weekend I promise to focus on getting caught up on my reviews!!

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@91 Alcottacre - started book 2 in car the other day. Really enjoying it so far.

@92 Lauranav - i'm glad that you like my reviews. means a lot. =)

#30 Evermore by Alyson Noel

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Wow! what an awesome book. distracted me totally from review writing day. but it was so worth being even more behind. More later

#31 The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: wow...loving this series. can't wait until the next book is available at my library. blog review...eventually

#95: I am waiting for the next one at the library too, Irish, so you have my sympathies. I enjoyed the 2nd one (Sea of Monsters) more than I did the first, so I am hoping I like the third book in the series even more!

My friends say the series gets progressively better (one of whom is beserene here on LT - she also teaches a Mythology course, and says that Riordan knows his stuff) and they are both trying to get me to read the series. B lent his copy of the first book to another friend, so I may have to get beserene's copy from her this weekend.

I liked teh 2nd book better too. You know all the major players in Book 2 so there isn't all that background and build up. I loved watching Percy & Anabeth grow and the adventure that they went on. I've always loved the Greek Myths so love the idea taht the gods might still be lording about. =) Really looking forward to book 3. Getting it on audio again. LOVE this narrator. he is amazing.

Tapestry - you NEED to read these! Now!

#32 The Cradle by Patrick Somerville

Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Review eventually

lol - I will! I'm going to try to get book 1 from my friend S this weekend.

But first, I'm going to have to finish The Road. I got it yesterday from my uncle, and thought I'd read the first couple of pages, and when I finally looked up after reading half of it, it was 1am! If I hadn't had to come into work this morning, I would have just stayed up and finished it.

I just checked my library's website, and they have the first book on audiobook. Maybe I'll just check that out and listen to it if you say you enjoy the narrator.

The narrator is awesome. Not as good as Jim dale with the Harry Potter boooks, but he does an excellent job with all the voices. I found myself taking the long way home just to listen more. even listened a bit on my laptop over the weekend as I wrote some blog reviews. I highly recommend.

I am glad you are loving the Percy Jackson series. Strangely I have not read past book one for a variety of reasons. Once I make a significant dent in my TBR pile I will start ordering them from the library or even buy them.

Casp - you need to start reading the rest of the series. so good. =)

I know I know...there are so many books I need/want to read. Thats why I have a ban on library books at the moment. Hmm brainwave I just buy the books instead problem solved LOL

This sort of logic is probably why I am not a gazillion-air :)

#104: My problem is that I both buy books and check them out of the library. I am not a gazillionaire either, and I also have around 90 library books I have to read!

Alcottacre - you and I need to join the same support group. the one for hopeless books buyers & library goers. lol

though I am a but better off than one. only have about 15 books out form library. how do you keep track of 90?!?!

#33 Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: will eventually appear on my blog

http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com

#106: I have a running list on a Microsoft Word document with all the titles listed, as well as indicating which library they came from. I have a closet that I keep the books in and then on a weekly basis I pull out the books I am reading for that particular week.

OMG 90 books? I started having panic attacks when I had 10 out at once and I started to suspect I would have to *gasp* extend my loan (though now I do anyway as I usually pass it on to mum when I finish it).

Wow!! I haven't taken books out of the library in a long time. I think the most I have ever had out were about 20 books and that was when my kids were in elementary school. I don't even know if my library would allow that many out at once.

I keep looking at all the books you have/are reading Irish and I keep adding to my wishlist and then I forget to look for them when I am at the store or library.

#34 Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

review: coming...

#35 The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: I'd say its coming soon, but at this point would anyone really believe me?

This is another I listened to in the car, love the narrator, love the story. Look forward to the next book in the series.

#36 Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: another audio. this one had me cracking up as I listened to it. Not always the best thing to do while driving. This is also one that I could wait to get into my car to read....or pop it out when I got home and listen to it on my computer. Even begged a friend to spoil the end, but she wouldn't (*le sigh*). Such a great read. If you've ever been enthusiastic about Jane Austen, then you should check out this book. More at some point before I die on me blog.

Wow, Irish, I'm only just getting caught up with your thread again. You have been reading some interesting books. I also read the first Percy Jackson book (thanks to Caspettee) and loved it. After reading what you had to say, I'll have to investigate whether I can get the next ones in the series on audio here.

#37 Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Short review: wow...Butcher has done it again and delivered another amazing read. This book had me cracking up from page 1 and was filled with lots of witty lines and great action. If you like the series, then you'll love this book. more later

You finished it. Im ordering this puppy for my birthday its going to be my birthday present *jumps excitedly on the spot*

What a wonderful birthday present! You will love it when you read. This is now my current favorite book by Jim Butcher. =)

woa big call. Now I am super excited :)

#38 Bliss by Lauren Myracle

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: I somehow expected more from this book than was actually delivered. I enjoyed the writing and the basic story. But the ending fell a bit flat. Will eventually review in full on my blog

I finished Evermore. I really, really liked it a lot! Loved it even.

Wasn't it good? Its a sleepy little novel in that there are no big bangs to it...but the prose...just so beautiful. Loved the story and the characters. So glad the its sequel is out in just a few months.

#39 Willow by Julia Hoban

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: a worthwhile book but very raw sometimes. a powerful book and not for the weak of heart. I'm glad I read it, but now I need something much more lighthearted. More on my blog later

#40 Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: this book just makes me go SQUEEEE!!!! Loved it. Filled with action and humor and a slightly different take on the whole vampire mythology. If you like vampire books then this one is a must. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! Can't wait for book two. Might have to stalk someone at Orbit Books and see if I can convince them to give me one early. More later on my blog!

Red-Headed step child sounds interesting. Will wait for your reiew.

#41 The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: kinda meh...interesting but flawed. more later.

#42 The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Rating: 4.5 out 5 stars

Review: still enjoying this series. yes they can be formulaic but they are fun! and I like fun!

#43 Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: just finished this one today...wasn't a wow book but wasn't horrible either. falls kind of in the middle of the spectrum. The whole situation wasn't super believable but the overall story wasn't bad. more later on my blog.

#44 Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: Last night I had plans to read for a short bit and then go to be early as I was mad tired. I rifled through my stack of library books and picked up one or two before settling on Cracked up to be before I new it several hours had passed and I was closing the cover on this fantastic book. It was also long after I had initially planned on going to bed but it was well worth it. This book was fantabulous, well written, interesting plot and delightful characters. Its a book that I highly recommend. More eventually on my blog.

#128: Wow! Any book that passes the hours without you noticing must be terrific. On to the Continent it goes!

I have The Frozen Thames on loan from the library. I was really keen on reading it and was going to overlook some others to get to it first. Maybe I won't now . . .

You, my friend, are a reading machine these days! I'm completely envious.

alcottacre - its definately worth the read...loved this story.

judy - i think that the idea is sound but it could have been better executed.

tapestry - thanks! i've been having a string of good luck. building a nice cushion for the summer time

#45 Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: book 3 in a series, recommended to me by Sarah MacLean. Enjoyed this one better than the first book in series and eventually I'll get around to reading books 2 and 4.

I agree with David are you sure that G-375 is not your real name and your just messing with us.

The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers.

I guess its a first book perhaps cut it some slack. Still I got this thinking it sounded really good (helllooo talking jack russell need I really say more?). I read a chapter online and it seemed ok. Oh well should get my copy soon and can find out myself!

it is an ok book...just not a wow book. I refuse to call it quits on Fox just yet. We'll see how book 2 plays out. Like I said on twitter its a book with potential.

and for the record I loved the jack russell part of it. =) its the biker witch senior citizens & lack of disclosure that started to really bug me by end

#47 Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

review: soon...

#38 Shadowland by Meg Cabot

Rating 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: decent first book in a series. Has potential. I'll have to check out the next one.

#49 The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: cute coming of age story. i enjoyed this book

Just posting so I don't lose you, I like the look of a lot of your books.

Holy cow... 49 books already and May isn't even over with yet. You put me to shame. =O

#50 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review: eventually....loved this book though. kept me up late reading it.

#143: I loved it too, Irish - enough to preorder the sequel coming out in September, Catching Fire. Glad to find that the book has another fan!

#140, #143 I loved both these books too.
#138 I have her Chains out from the library now, it gets good reviews.

#51 The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: Upcoming



#52 Pingo by Brandon Mull

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Review: upcoming



#53 The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg

Rating: 3 out of 5 stares

Review: upcoming



#54 Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: upcoming...but this one definitely blew the first one out of the water!

Oh, I can't wait for your review of Catching Fire, Irish. And I'm very jealous that you got to read it already! I'll just settle for being happy to hear that it is worth the wait. :-)

I am jealous, too. I am (im)patiently waiting for my copy of Catching Fire to arrive from Amazon.

legxleg & alcottacre - Catching Fire is well worth the the wait. It was so good!

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#55 The Unusual Mind of Vincent Shadow by Tim Kehoe

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: cute middle grade read, but the ending was a bit abrupt. more on my blog later.

#56 The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: loved this book & the new world Dashner has created. The ending seemed a bit rushed but I am eagerly looking forward to the next in the series. More on my blog later.

Note: Currently on my blog there is a contest for an ARC of this book.

http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com

#153: Looks like one I would enjoy. Thanks for the recommendation, Irish.

#57 Neil Armstrong is my Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me by Nancy Marino

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: one day

Wow, you are really banging out the books! Very impressive, Ms. Irish!

Had to come here to this undisclosed location to find you as I haven't seen you in the usual places!

#58 Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Review: soon! almost all caught up on my blog.

#59 The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: too tired to say anything now...but great start to a series. looking forward to next books, curious to see what happens next.

More on my blog later.

#60 Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Review: later...this one isn't out until spring 2010 so not sure if I'll post a review now, or put it in queue to post closer to release. but this is definately one to put on the wishlist

#159: OK, on to Planet TBR it goes!

5 out of 5! Wow! Will you tell us at least a little bit about it?

*sigh* why oh why do I bother with book bans when I am still reading your blog and posts.

*goes to Mt TBR and places another wooden pole to help stop bookslides*

Oy...its been a long time since I've updated my list!! I haven't been on LT all that much. Issues in the real world have kept me away...all the books that have been listed above have all been reviewed and you can find them on my blog:

http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com

I'd go back and link to them all individually...but...well...i'm too lazy for that today. Sorry.

#61 Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: killer unicorns? what's not to love. ending a bit messy by first in a series so I am hopeful.

Review: http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/07/rampant-by-diana-peterfreund.html



#62 A Faint Cold Fear by Karin Slaughter

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: never has one town been host to such an amazing plethora of f*d up people.

Review: http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/07/faint-cold-fear-by-karin-slaughter....



#63 Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: No ticking bombs. Just a beautifully told story. Loving this series. So glad release date for 3rd one has been moved up from Feb 2010 to Nov 2009!

Review: http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html

#64 Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: Loved the premise and the execution. Would have been 5 star read all the way but ending killed it for me.

Review: http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/08/blog-tour-undiscovered-gyrl-by-alli...

Interview with Allison Burnett: http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-allison-burnett-author-of...



#65 I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Rating: 5 our of 5 stars

First Thoughts: Cute read. Laugh out loud funny at some parts

Review: and this is where I start to fall behind in reviewing again.



#66 Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: fun read, bit repetitive at times but good brain candy series.

Review: soon

#67 Hit and Run by Lurlene McDaniel

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: not sure there are words to describe how bad this one was.

Review: soon



#68 Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: still cute, still repetitive...still intrigued by series. can't wait for next one.

Review: soon



#69 The Astonishing Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

Rating: 4 out of 5

First thoughts: now here is some great story telling!

Review: soon

#70 Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

First THoughts: loved the character of Zania and the world that Hanley has created. Can't wait to see more of it.

Review: Soon



#71 Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: this book makes me go *squee*. such a fresh story! Loved it!

Review: soon



#72 Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Rating: 4 of out 5 stars

First Thoughts: what a great coming of age story. love these characters! need to read The Off Season soon!

Review: soon

#73 Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: great premise, interesting characters. liked it but didn't love it.

Review: soon



#74 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First THoughts: Haunting

Review: soon

Nice to see you back, Irish!

Congratulations on making the 75 mark. I have The Astonishing Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl on my tbr pile so glad to see that you liked it.
I follow a blog on YA book covers and some of the books you've been reading recently have such cool enticing covers. http://jacketwhys.wordpress.com/

#77 The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: I listened to this in my car and loved every minute of the story. There is a little of everything in this book. There are moments that make you laugh and ones that make you cry. I laughed through most of this book but there were also many moments where the deeper meanings of love and loss and learning all come to the surface. This is a wonderful coming of age story where you can see as Holling Hoodhood starts off as a boy and grows into a man. I loved the use of Shakespeare in this story and I h...more I listened to this in my car and loved every minute of the story. There is a little of everything in this book. There are moments that make you laugh and ones that make you cry. I laughed through most of this book but there were also many moments where the deeper meanings of love and loss and learning all come to the surface. This is a wonderful coming of age story where you can see as Holling Hoodhood starts off as a boy and grows into a man. I loved the use of Shakespeare in this story and I hope that it shows the people who read it that Shakespeare isn't scary and that there is something to be found in his plays for everyone. I also loved how this story highlights the role of teachers. Throughout ones schooling there are always one or two teachers that always stay with your for one reason or another. The character of Mrs Baker embodies all those great teachers that I once had. This is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it to all.

More later on the blog

#78 Candor by Pam Bachorz

Rating 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: based on some of the other early buzz I expected more from this novel. Instead I found the MC whiny and insecure...I like the premise but in the end it was just meh.

Review: more later on the blog



#79 Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Rating: 5 out of 5 books

First thoughts: this is one of the best books that I've read all year. I couldn't put it down. wow...totally mind blowing. A must read.

Review: more on the blog later



#80 Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: loved the premise of fairy tale characters escaping their stories. its just a bit unfortunate that I finished this so soon after Hate List (within hours) and the amazingness of the first I think took away from this one. Cute read though and I'll definitely be searching out the sequel Out of the Wild

Review: at some point...on da blog.

F

#172 I also loved The Wednesday Wars, didn't know what to expect when I started reading it and was blown away by how good it was.
I've just put in a request for my library to purchase Hate List as it looks pretty good too.

I liked The Wednesday Wars, too, so it is unanimous, lol.

Adding Hate List to Planet TBR. Thanks for the recommendation.

Also adding Hate List (amongst others). Thanks for your great comments on what you have been reading.

Hate List looks very good. Will hope to find it when I'm allowed to get books again!

I whipped through Hate List it was so good. I can't recommend it enough.

#81 City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: boy Cassie Clare sure does know how to tell a story! This book weighs in at almost 500 pgs and I found myself wiping through them like they were nothing. Can't wait until I have the time to move onto City of Ashes

Review: on the blog...eventually...

#179: I have that one home from the library now. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did.

Yay, my library has agreed to purchase copies of Hate List and I'm first in line!
I've had a copy of City of Bones for ages but haven't got round to reading it yet, I really must as it sounds very good.

#82 City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: this series is like crack. I now have an inkling of what it must be like for all those Twilight lovers out there with Meyer's book...only these contain a much better written story. Read this one in one sitting...only a few hours for all ~500-ish pages. Now must. read. City of Glass.

More at some point on the blog...

I have heard good things about this series.

and you haven't been lied to Caspettee! good series...though I warn you its crack...be sure to buy all books at once because you won't want to stop reading. go...buy them...like now. ;-)

I was just looking at these the other night at the store. I guess I'll have to pick the first one up and give it a try.

Tapestry - be sure to buy all 3 when you go...you'll want to continue on with the story. I couldn't read anything for a week because I tried to put books aside...

#182 I've been eyeballin' this series for awhile now. I'm convinced that I need to read it! Adding to the TBR pile...again.

#83 City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: have I mentioned this series is like crack? I again spent much of the day on Sunday reading this book. I just had to see where it all went. so so good...go. read it. now. I don't think you'll regret it

Full review: at some point on da blog...

books described as being crack. There is a new one.

Ooh, I love addictive YA fantasy, and what's great is that all three books are already published so there's no waiting!! I must read these, I have bk 1 and bk 3 but I'm last in a queue of 63 for bk 2 at the library!

Whoo-hoo!!! Book #1 is ready & waiting to be read... as soon as I can get to it... and even better, I've heard that Cassandra Clare is an incredibly nice person who actually takes the time to chat with her fans at autograph sessions (no rushing people along!). A friend of mine is LJ buddies with her and had the chance to meet her in person a few months ago, and was thoroughly impressed. Great to hear her books are as wonderful as everyone says!!!

#84 A Disobedient Girl by Ru Freeman

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



#85 Slept Away by Julie Kraut

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Review: on http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com



#86 The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

#87 Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: This book was such an amazing journey. I loved it.



#88 The Clone Codes by Patricia C. McKissack

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: ever hear that expression about too many cooks? well this book has is. review for is is available of my blog.



#89 Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: loved this retelling of a fairy tale. Cassie is an awesome character. This one has already been reviewed on my blog if you are interested in hearing more.

#90 Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: this one is a must read. So amazing.

#91 Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: i loved hearing kyra's story!



#92 Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: loved mead's take of the whole vampire myth. this was filled with win.

#93 Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have by Allen Zadoff

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: a fun read. this one is reviewed on my blog.



#94 Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: can't say enough how much i like these characters.



#95 Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Oh Em Gee. Can't believe what happened in this one.

#96 Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: didn't love it as much as the previous books. Felt more like a book 2 in a series....but that ending. Wow. That totes saved this book from being a sold meh.



#97 Bite Me by Parker Blue

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: when i first read it I thought it was just so-so. but a few days later and I was still really invested in all the characters, wondering what would happen next. For full thoughts check out my blog (http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com)

#98 Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Wow. Words can't do this one justice. If you don't read any other book in 2010, then just read this one. Its the most amazing book ever. My impressions of the read as well as a playlist (as told to me by Courtney herself) check out my blog.

Oh...be sure to block out the day for this one because once you start you won't be able to put it down.

#99 Moonstone by Marilee Brothers

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: I had issues with this one. To hear them check out my blog.



#100 Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: as if my psychy wasn't already dealing with enough emotional turmoil after reading Some Girls Are, I had to go and read this book. Wow, doesn't even cut it. I also have it on very good authority that the audio for this one is beyond amazing. I'll have to check it out...but at another time. This is a must read.

Welcome back, Irish. It has been a while. Looks like you have had a bunch of good reads in the mean time - more for me to add to the BlackHole!

There have been a lot of great reads this year. =)



#101 The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: wasn't as blown away by this book as I would have liked to be. But I did love how Berk wrote about being deaf. very realistic.



#102 The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: I can haz book 2 now yes? Loved Kagwa's take on faery. Look for my review to post on my blog on 31 Jan.



#103 The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: not the most original story but I did like the writing style and use of a male voice for the narrator.

#202: I will be looking for the Kagawa and Hubbard books next year. Thanks for the recommendations, Irish!

I will keep an eye out for The Iron King. I saw in the common knowledge that it's set in Louisiana, and I try to keep an eye out for fantasy books set in places in the US other than NYC (it seems like everything is set there! I'm sure it's a very exciting place, but come on, authors, branch out a little).

legxleg - I know what you mean...and if its not NYC then its Chicago. Although Holly Black's Modern Faerie series takes place in New Jersey and Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely books in Pennsylvania...so that's something. Iron King's setting though is predominately Louisiana - when not traveling within the world of Faerie. When you read her book, remember....Ash is mine. ;-)

#104 Poison Study by Maria V Snyder

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

First Thoughts: Read all 400 pages in less than a day...so yeah...this was a good one. Yelena - kick ass heroine and Valek...*swoons*

#206: I have had that one in the BlackHole for a while now. I wish my local library would get a copy!

#205 No hating on Chicago!!! ;)

Books #102 & #104 are going on the list! The covers of both are quite stunning... I think I'd add them on covers alone, lol.

alcottacre - promise to leave Valek to me and I'll let you borrow my copy of Poison Study.

Tapestry - Chicago sucks....Boston rules!!! hahaah luv ya babe *muah*

dk_phoenix - yeah i love the YA covers for Snyder's books. The UK ones are also nice. And I love the Iron King cover!!

#105 Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

First thoughts: Loved this story right up until the end. I loved how the author drew Alex and Brittany. Although they seemed to rehash the same conversation over and over. But what killed the book for me was the ending. It was way to sacchariny sweet & fairy tale like. Don't get me wrong I love fairy tales but this wasn't a retelling and the too perfect ending turned this 5 star book into a 3. I liked it, but didn't love it in its entirety. If you read it, highly highly suggest you stop before the Epilogue.

#210: If only I could, but since he is fictional, I just do not see any way of doing it :)

#205, I'll try and keep that in mind :-P. And Holly Black's series is in New Jersey? I thought it was in NYC as well! My mistake. Well, we live and learn.

BTW, did you ever see the book trailer for Perfect Chemistry? It's really (intentionally? unintentionally? I can never tell with these really cheesy things) funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr0OtYYpyek

#106 Magic Study by Maria V Snyder

Rating: 4 out of 5

First Thoughts: not as good as the first book. The first was filled with such edge of your seat tension and that wasn't repeated here. Plus there was a severe lack of Valek! Now off to start Fire Study looking forward to see where this series is going.

Hosting a contest on my blog for a finished copy of Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers and a Book Light. Go here for details:

http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/12/contest-some-girls-are-by-courtney....

With the close of 2009 my top 12 list has been finalized and is as follows:

JAN - The Myth of Me & You by Leah Stewart
FEB - Graceling by Kristin Cashore
MAR - Evermore by Alyson Noel
APR - Willow by Julia Hoban
MAY - Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
JUN - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
JUL - I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
AUG - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
SEP - Hate List by Jennifer Brown
OCT - Hold Still by Nina LaCour
NOV - Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
DEC - The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (review to post on 30 Jan 2010)

Best of the best 2009 = Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers. I can't even begin to tell you how much this book affected me. Summers is an amazingly talented writer and I am honored to be able to read her words. She holds nothing back and brings to light issues that we'd all like to forget. This was a tough choice to pick one of these 12 wonderful books and highly recommend all them.

I hope you will be joining us in the 2010 group, Irish!